Abraham J. Berry Explained

Abraham J. Berry (c. 1797–1865),^[1] a physician, was the first mayor of "the independent city of Williamsburgh."^{[2] [3]}

Early life

Berry "was born in New York City and educated as a physician."^[4] "Dr. Berry became one of the most admired and recognized figures in the city" partly due to his 1832 work with cholera patients.^[4]

First mayor of Williamsburgh

Among his accomplishments leading up to and becoming the first mayor of Williamsburgh (1852–1853)^[5] were:^[4]

• a ferry linking to Manhattan
• dropping the h from Williamsburgh^[6]
• "his 1855 proposal^[7] consolidated Williamsburg with the rest of Brooklyn."

Following his term in office, Berry was unsuccessful in a four-way race for a congressional seat.^[8] In 1851, prior to his mayoral term in office, he was an election supervisor, appointing election inspectors.^[9] Only one other person served after him as mayor of Williamburgh.^{[10] [11]}

Civil War

"At the beginning of the Civil War, Dr. Berry enlisted as a surgeon in the 38th New York Infantry."^{[4] [12]} He died^[5] "the result of a fever he contracted during that time."^[4]

Family

He had a wife,^[13] a daughter named Julia (d. 1906),^[14] and a son John (c. 1835–1915).^[15]

Legacy

The name Berry in Williamsburg's Berry Playground^[16] at 106 South Third Street,^[17] between Bedford Avenue and Berry Street, refers to:^[4]

• nearby Berry Street
• the street was named for his family
• that he was a physician, and the park's address is linked to a since-closed hospital.

Notes and References

1. News: . DIED. . October 23, 1865.
2. News: The New York Times. How Williamsburg Got Its Groove. Jake Mooney . June 19, 2005.
3. News: . EVELYN GRISWOLD BRIDE OF B. MAYOR; Rev. Dr. Coffin Performs the Ceremony in Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church. SISTER IS HONOR MATRON A. Hyatt Mayor Best Man for His Brother—Wedding Tour to the West Indies. . great-granddaughter of the late Dr. Abraham J. Berry, first Mayor of Williamsburg. . March 19, 1931.
4. Web site: NYC Department of Parks (NYCgovparks.org) . Berry Playground.
5. Posted in(Not)Forgotten Greenpoint: News: Greenpointers . Where Do The Names of Williamsburg Streets Come From . Geoff Cobb . January 25, 2019.
6. News: . Trendy Ambiance and Manhattan Views . Joyce Cohen . October 6, 1996.
7. Web site: Last Days of the Williamsburgh Savings Bank . Jake Dobkin . May 8, 2006 .
8. News: New York Times . City Nominations for Congress, Assembly, and City and County Offices . November 1, 1854.
9. Web site: The People v. Cook . March 1, 1853.
10. Web site: The Citizen guide to Brooklyn and Long Island . December 21, 2020 . Dr. Abraham J. Berry was the first Mayor of Williamsburgh. William Wall was the second and last..
11. During his successor's term, Berry's proposal for joining "with the rest of Brooklyn" succeeded! meanwhile, he was back to being a full-time doctor.
12. Web site: United States Army New York Infantry Regiment, 38th . testimonials for Abraham J. Berry as surgeon to the 38th Regiment.
13. Web site: Commission of Appeals 1872, Page 19 . a conveyance by Abraham J. Berry and wife . 1864.
14. Web site: New York times June 7, 1906 Page 7 old newspaper archives.
15. Web site: American or English, 1800–1815.
16. Web site: nyc.gov. Greenpoint-Williamsburg Rezoning EIS.
17. Web site: Foodscape: Williamsburg/Greenpoint.